The bonding and 35W victims compensation bills enter conference committee, the Senate releases its tax bill, the Mall of America seeks tax breaks for its expansion project and Norm Coleman kicks off his re-election campaign.
The bonding and 35W victims compensation bills enter conference committee, the Senate releases its tax bill, the Mall of America seeks tax breaks for its expansion project and Norm Coleman kicks off his re-election campaign.
Majority Leader Tony Sertich and Minority Leader Marty Seifiert join Mary live in the House Gallery. She asks what they heard from consitituents when they headed home for Easter break and for their end-of-session predictions.
The Minnesota Zoo brought its creatures to the Capitol to make their bonding pitch. Our Minute Man captured the action.
After a week spent with lobbyists, David emerges from the vortex to tell his tale.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008 - 12:52 pm
We in the press aren't exactly sure how to describe why Al Franken had a big rally at the Capitol today. It seemed to be what we call a "pre-act" — that is reacting to an event before it happens. The event he's pre-acting to is Sen. Norm Coleman's campaign kick-off tomorrow. Much of the speech was devoted to Coleman. The "re-launch" aspect seems to be him almost re-starting his campaign with Ciresi out of the way.
It was a half-an-hour address that felt a lot like a convention acceptance speech. It was a well-crafted and keenly delivered speech. The moment the cameras loved was his closing comments when Franken got choked up, held back the tears saying: "Paul Wellstone said, 'The future belongs to those who are passionate and work hard.' I am so passionate about what we can achieve together. Are you ready to work hard alongside me?"
Speaking of "pre-acting," Republican Party Chair Ron Carey was ready with a pre-act pointing out Franken's problems paying workers compensation and now disability benefits to staffers. Carey thought it was ironic Franken was "standing with working men and women ... when he doesn't take care of people who work for him."
We in the press aren't exactly sure how to describe why Al Franken had a big rally at the Capitol today. It seemed to be what we call a "pre-act" — that is reacting to an event before it happens. The event he's pre-acting to is Sen. Norm Coleman's campaign kick-off tomorrow. Much of the speech was devoted to Coleman. The "re-launch" aspect seems to be him almost re-starting his campaign with Ciresi out of the way.
Monday, March 24, 2008 - 1:08 pm
One of the Republicans who voted for the veto override of the transportation bill has announced she will not seek re-election. Republican delegates from her district delayed her endorsement because of that vote. Tingelstad says "while the endorsement process has been a small factor in my decision not to seek re-election, it was one indicator to me that it is time for me to pursue other opportunities." She is well-liked and respected on both sides of the aisle. She was one of the lawmakers who was always trying to learn more and understand the process. I know some legislative events I spoke at or covered she was often one of just a few lawmakers to show up. She appeared emotional on the floor when she had to vote against her caucus and her colleagues have told me that she voted for the override to help the governor not hurt him. Those colleagues may have exaggerated her emotions during this time, it's been a tough environment for her in caucus since the override. Tingelstad is a kind and dedicated lawmaker.
One of the Republicans who voted for the veto override of the transportation bill has announced she will not seek re-election. Republican delegates from her district delayed her endorsement because of that vote. Tingelstad says "while the endorsement process has been a small factor in my decision not to seek re-election, it was one indicator to me that it is time for me to pursue other opportunities."
Mary and David visit the East Wing of the Capitol building ... and find an empty court room, even though the Supreme Court is in session. How can that be?
Did anyone answer our history question about the Texan who said those nice words about our Minnesota Twins? We fill you in on that and then we enjoy another live tune, courtesy of Rockie Lynne.
This week our political panel is composed of ex-lawmakers. Democrats Ember Reichgott Junge and Andy Dawkins face off in the squared circle with Republicans Fritz Knaak and Phil Krinkie.
Legislators emptied out of St. Paul this week for a spring break. Our Mary Lahammer gives us the highs and lows of the first six weeks of the legislative session.
